Iran executes man accused of aiding US, Israel

Iran has carried out the execution of Majid Adineh, who was convicted of collaborating with Israel and the United States and allegedly possessing items like a chainsaw during anti-government demonstrations. The judiciary's Mizan Online website reported the execution on Sunday.

Adineh was found guilty of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" and "gathering and collusion with the intention of committing crimes against the country’s internal security," according to the judiciary. The Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of his property, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court. He and another suspect were arrested on January 9 in Alborz province, reportedly carrying a revolver, ammunition, tasers, tear gas canisters, a rechargeable chainsaw, and gasoline.

This execution is part of a broader crackdown following nationwide protests that erupted late last year, initially triggered by economic grievances but evolving into widespread anti-government demonstrations. Iranian authorities have reported over 3,000 deaths from the unrest, blaming "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel. A significant number of executions have been linked to these protests, while others are connected to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Iran has seen a notable increase in executions. According to Iran Human Rights and ECPM, at least 1,639 people were executed in Iran last year, marking a record high since 1989. Amnesty International ranks Iran as the country with the second-highest number of executions globally, after China. The judiciary stated that Adineh's execution was based on "numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant’s statements."

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Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant’s statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property.